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Issue 22 | Jan 2020
Not your regular
doctor of
Botany
Friends of TreesSg chairperson
Dr Easaw Thomas shares about his
interest in greenery and helping to
green Singapore in the early days.
MND Huddle 2019: Recognising
our valued partners and volunteers
Find out how a URA volunteer
brings learning to life at the
Singapore City Gallery
Learn how the pet community is
working with NParks to strengthen
animal health and welfare standards
Dr Easaw Thomas
Chairperson, Friends of TreesSg
A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
CONTENTS
04
SPECIAL
FEATURE
MND Huddle 2019
06 08
PEOPLE PEOPLE
Not your regular Bringing learning
doctor of Botany to life
10 PEOPLE
Let’s improve our 12 PEOPLE
Broadening horizons at 13 PARTNERSHIP
Transforming the way we build
neighbourhoods together The Bicentennial Experience
14 PROGRAMME
It’s a date for plant and animal 16 ANNOUNCEMENT
lovers
EDITORIAL TEAM
Contributors:
Jeanine Tan (MND) Michelle Wong (MND) Jill Tan (BCA) Denise Chen (NParks)
Fiona Seah (MND) Susana Yap (MND) Tan Xiao Rong (HDB) Ang Ruyi (URA)
Nur Elysa Sapari (MND) Jamie Sing (Intern) Jeremy Choy (HDB) Goh Kim Chai (URA)
SHARE A STORY FEEDBACK
Share a story with us today! We would love to hear your Tell us how we are doing and how we can make Happy
inspiring stories and personal journeys about volunteering Hands more interesting for you! Do you have suggestions
with the MND Family. Be it an article, illustration or that could jazz up your read?
photograph, we welcome your contributions.
Do drop us a note at happyhands@mnd.gov.sg!
2
Issue 22 | Jan 2020
Mr Desmond Lee,
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Chairman of the MND
Family Volunteer
and Alumni Network,
Minister for Social and
Family Development
and Second Minister for
National Development
(centre, in green) and
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan
Henry, adviser to Nee
Soon GRC grassroots
organisations (behind
Mr Desmond Lee) with
former residents of the
former Hainan Village,
at the official opening
of Singapore’s seventh
nature park, Thomson
Nature Park, in October
2019.
Dear Friends of the MND Family,
As we welcome a new year, I would like to thank all our volunteers and partners for yet another fulfilling year of doing
meaningful work together, for the community and for our living environment, as we make Singapore a better home for all.
We commemorated Singapore’s bicentennial in 2019, and it is heartening to know that some of our very own dedicated
volunteers went beyond their regular activities to contribute as storytellers and guides at the Singapore Bicentennial
Experience. Their informative guidance went a long way in helping visitors to appreciate our 700 years of rich history.
In this issue, we also hear from Friends of TreesSg chairperson and long-time NParks partner Dr Easaw Thomas; URA
volunteer docent Lee Hwa Phaik; and HDB Friends of Our Heartlands volunteer facilitator Wong Jia Liang. I am glad to learn
about how they find joy and fulfilment from working with us on meaningful initiatives that make a difference to the lives of
fellow Singaporeans.
Across a wide range of issues, such as advocating green buildings and sustainable development, creating vibrant spaces
for communities, and raising standards for animal health and welfare, our volunteers and partners generously share their
interests and skillsets to enable and benefit others. Through partnerships, we have opportunities to gain new perspectives,
conceptualise shared goals, and harness one another’s strengths to shape a Singapore that we are proud to call home.
When passion, purpose and partnership come together, there is so much more that we can achieve. I look forward to
continuing our work together in the year ahead!
Yours sincerely,
Desmond Lee
Minister for Social and Family Development
and Second Minister for National Development
Chairman of the MND Family Volunteer and Alumni Network
HOUSING &
DEVELOPMENT
BOARD
3
A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
SPECIAL FEATURE
MND Huddle 2019
Recognising our valued partners and volunteers
Warm Welcome: Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong addressing MND Huddle guests
at Fort Canning Green.
On 11 October 2019, Minister Lawrence Wong hosted over
350 MND Family volunteers and partners at the annual MND The Singapore we have today is the result
Huddle as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions over
of partnerships – the Government working
the past year. Held at Fort Canning Green for the first time, 89
individuals received the MND Medallion and MND Dedicated
closely with all Singaporeans, and in our
Service Award that evening. case, MND working with our stakeholders,
with everyone chipping in and contributing
In his welcome remarks, Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted our diverse energies, skills and talents.
partnerships among citizens and with the Government as a
guiding principle for Singapore’s long-term nation-building Minister for National Development
effort. He shared some ways that citizens and businesses could
Lawrence Wong on the importance of
also play a part in shaping housing estates, neighbourhood
parks and upcoming urban areas like the redevelopment of our partnerships for Singapore to succeed.
Greater Southern Waterfront. Read the full speech here.
Ruth Yeoh receiving the MND Medallion for her contributions as a Tang Tuck Kim receiving the MND Dedicated Service Award for
member of the Gardens by the Bay Board. 30 years of sterling service to the MND Family.
4
Issue 22 | Jan 2020
As guests tucked into the Peranakan-themed dinner, a
video was screened showcasing several recent meaningful Creating Our Home Together: Snapshots of some
partnerships. These included a neighbourhood playground MND Family partnerships with volunteers and partners
designed and built by residents (the first in Singapore!), a working together with us to create a better Singapore.
community coming together to help rebuild a Pulau Ubin Watch the video here.
drink stall and the collaborative spirit of stakeholders working
together with us to enliven historic precincts and transform our
built environment sector.
A very big thank you to all our volunteers and partners. We look
forward to more opportunities to collaborate in the coming year.
Pilot Business Improvement Districts – Enlivening
Singapore’s historic precincts through place-making,
with the Urban Redevelopment Authority
Friends of Ubin Network, Ah Ma Drink Stall – Helping
hands came together to rebuild a 20-year-old drink stall,
(From top, clockwise) Minister for National Development with the National Parks Board
Lawrence Wong, Second Minister for National Development
Desmond Lee and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling
catching up with MND Family volunteers and partners.
Build-A-Playground – Residents and the community
built their very own playground, with the Housing &
Development Board
iBuildSG Young Leaders – Charting the future of
our built environment sector, with the Building and
Guests enjoying a guided tour of the new Artisan’s Garden and Sang
Construction Authority
Nila Utama Garden at Fort Canning Park.
5
A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
PEOPLE
Not your regular doctor of Botany
Friends of TreesSg chairperson Dr Easaw Thomas shares about his passion for
greenery and helping to green Singapore.
“ Greening Singapore is not the sole responsibility of
the Government, and it is heartwarming to see more
citizens involved in our tree-planting activities.
Dr Easaw Thomas
“
Chairperson, Friends of TreesSg
Fascinated by lush greenery in his is a plethora of scientific studies that garden for my house. Since then, I
childhood days, Dr Easaw Thomas suggest a multitude of health and well- have noticed that this concept has
developed an early interest in trees. being benefits of being in nature. become quite prevalent. It is a great
Now a long-time partner of the way to accommodate more greenery
National Parks Board (NParks), You are known among your friends within a limited space.
he shares about contributing to as a ‘doctor of botany’. How did this
Singapore’s greening journey and come about? In the early days of greening
transforming his home into a jungle- There is a funny backstory to this Singapore, you helped NParks
themed garden. nickname. Many years ago, a new source for suitable tree species.
airport was being built in Bangalore Tell us more about this.
How did you develop an interest in and I was approached by an architect I believe that the way we plant
trees? to help with tree-planting around the should always complement the
I was born in Malaysia and grew up nearby hotels and resorts. Some environment we live in. So early on
surrounded by many trees and plants of the hotel owners heard the team in Singapore’s greening journey,
grown by my grandfather. Growing addressing me as ‘doctor’, and I started sourcing for native trees
up with greenery all around me, I assumed that I was a doctor of botany! that could thrive in our urban
developed an interest in nature. They were surprised to learn that I am environment, and planted many of
actually an anaesthetist by profession. these in my garden. I was happy
While my childhood and upbringing to introduce many of my favourite
sparked my interest, seeing how Tell us about your award-winning indigenous plants and trees to
indiscriminate cutting down of trees home garden, which some even call NParks. These species were not only
was destroying nature all around us a forest! beautiful, they were well-suited to
began to upset me. I started doing my I have hundreds of trees around my Singapore’s environment.
part to mitigate some of the effects house and I also grow various types
of climate change, by planting trees of plants such as wild and hybrid The first batch of trees was planted
wherever I could. Besides planting orchids. Not only do they beautify the in Labrador Park more than 30
them in my own house, I have also environment, they also help to cool years ago, and I have been involved
planted trees in many other parts of the house. The trees do not flower and in many of NParks’ tree-planting
Singapore in partnership with NParks. fruit very often due to our warm and activities since then. It is also
In total, I have planted a total of 3,000 humid climate – perhaps once in five heartening to hear that the trees at
trees! years, if I am lucky. HortPark which were originally from
Malaysia have been reproducing
Trees are beneficial not only to the I came up with the idea to build a young saplings!
environment, but for people too. There vertical green wall and a rooftop
6
Issue 22 | Jan 2020
Dr Thomas at the rooftop garden of his Sharing how coconut trees in his garden Lush greenery envelopes the entire home.
house. serve as vertical green walls.
What part do heritage trees
play in our national heritage? (Left) Dr Thomas with
Heritage trees are meaningful others from the tree-
because of their botanical, planting community, at
social, historical, cultural and Jurong Lake Gardens in
aesthetic value. Singapore has June 2019.
been actively conserving these (Right) At a tree-planting
trees to allow current and future event on Jurong Island
generations to appreciate the in November 2019.
beauty of mature trees in our Image: NParks Image: NParks
urban spaces.
As younger generations of (Right) With Mr George
Singaporeans encounter nature Goh, a member of the
and greenery in their daily lives, Friends of TreesSg
community, at the
I hope that they will instinctively
Community Garden
want to protect them, so more
Festival 2019 at Jurong
generations can enjoy them too.
Lake Gardens.
How can individuals or groups Image: NParks
get involved in tree-planting
activities? (Left) Dr Thomas receiving
Anyone who is interested is the MND Dedicated Service
welcome to join us through our Award from Minister for
Friends of TreesSg community! National Development
Greening Singapore is not Lawrence Wong, for 15 years
the sole responsibility of of service on the Heritage
Tree Panel with NParks and
the Government, and it is
former Conservation Advisory
heartwarming to see more
Panel with URA.
citizens involved in our tree-
planting activities in recent years.
I hope that more people, Do you love nature?
especially the younger
If you are passionate about urban greenery or Register your interest here and we will
generation, will join our activities. the trees in our city, sign up as a volunteer with get in touch.
Cultivating a love for nature NParks or the Friends of TreesSg community!
from an early age can help Locate any one of over 500,000 trees
to keep our greening journey Volunteer opportunities include public outreach, in our city that have been plotted
nature education, citizen science programmes and on an interactive map, and discover
relevant and important to future
habitat enhancement. interesting facts about them at trees.sg.
generations.
7
A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
PEOPLE
Bringing learning to life
Applying her teaching skills, volunteer Lee Hwa Phaik ignites the curiosity of visitors
as she brings them through the Singapore City Gallery.
“ I hope that by exploring the Singapore City Gallery,
students will see the bigger picture and appreciate
the intricacies that are involved in planning for the
environment that they live and play in, and in the
future, work in.
“
Lee Hwa Phaik, URA Volunteer
Meet Hwa Phaik, a recently retired Tell us about your expeirence central location with easy access to
Master Teacher in Geography guiding visitors at the Draft Master many neighbouring districts and sheer
who volunteers with the Urban Plan 2019 Exhibition. size (together with the surrounding
Redevelopment Authority (URA). The 50 km Greater Rustic Coast which industrial areas, it is about five times
In 2017, Hwa Phaik was on a tour stretches from Lim Chu Kang to Changi the size of Toa Payoh!).
of the Jurong Lake District Master generated considerable excitement
Plan Exhibition when she met some among young adults. Some even felt Most visitors were curious to know
URA officers. Upon learning about that the route was a compelling reason what they could look forward to in
her complementary interest in urban to learn to roller-skate and explore the future. There was a couple who
planning and passion for pedagogical places of interest along the way. asked if their home and nearby park
approaches to enhance the learning Cyclists enquired about longer routes, which they enjoy would have to be
experience, they invited her to join URA such as the distance of the Round re-purposed for new developments. I
as a volunteer. Within a short span of Island Route (it will be 150 km when could sense their worry as they showed
a year, Hwa Phaik has led community completed). me a video recording of how beautiful
tours of URA’s Singapore City Gallery, the area was, especially at sunset. As
Draft Master Plan 2019 Exhibition, Paya Lebar Airbase also generated we talked about Singapore’s limited
and collaborated with URA to develop much interest. This could be due to its land and growing land use needs, they
student resources. understood that sometimes, some
places may have to make way for the
common good.
Hwa Phaik I was also pleasantly surprised to
(second from right) meet non-locals in my tour group,
with other URA and impressed that they had come
volunteers on a to identify with familiar places in
visit to Jurong Lake
Singapore despite having spent a
Gardens as part of
relatively short time living and working
a learning journey
by URA to enhance
here. At times, they were so absorbed
volunteers’ in the finer details that I would slow
knowledge about down for them to catch up!
local developments.
I hope more visitors, locals and non-
locals alike, will have such interest in
Image: URA this place that we call home.
8
Issue 22 | Jan 2020
What is the Draft Master Plan?
The Draft Master Plan 2019 Hwa Phaik with other
outlines strategies that will guide URA volunteers designing
the physical development of student resources for the
Singapore for the next 10-15 years, Singapore City Gallery.
integrated into the various planning
regions.
Themes include planning for
Image: URA
inclusive, sustainable and green
neighbourhoods with community
spaces for all to enjoy, rejuvenating
familiar places, and developing
(Right) Leading a
capacity to meet future needs.
group of visitors at the
Singapore City Gallery.
How did you collaborate with
URA on developing resources
for students the Singapore City
Gallery?
I have always been fascinated with (Left) Sharing about
spatial arrangements on the Earth’s developments
along the Greater
surface and interactions between
Rustic Coast
people and the environment.
at URA’s Draft
Master Plan 2019
So when URA invited me to help Exhibition.
design student resources for the Image: URA
revamped Singapore City Gallery, I felt
that it was a great opportunity not only
to keep my love for educating young The approach we used allows students I am in awe of the foresight and high
minds alive, but also to nurture their to undertake field observations and standards of the vision and plans that
interest in Geography through the new scientific data analysis to make sense go into shaping our living environment.
and thoughtfully presented materials in of what, why and where various The experience has increased my
the Gallery. phenomena take place. The activity appreciation for the careful and
sheets encourage discussion, and judicious allocation of resources in the
Together with two colleagues, we more importantly, bring their textbook face of competing land use needs.
designed the resources with the aim of content to life as they search for
expanding students’ understanding of answers around the Gallery. The training sessions have been
the world beyond what they could learn amazing opportunities for me to keep
What are some takeaways from your abreast of current affairs. I look forward
from their textbooks. Our background
volunteering experience so far? to more opportunities to work with other
as educators enabled us to connect
concepts in the academic curriculum I have enjoyed meeting new people, like-minded educators and share my
with the content displayed in the gaining new perspectives and learning knowledge and experience to bring
Gallery. new things. about meaningful learning experiences
for students outside the classroom.
If you are inspired by Hwa Phaik and would like to join URA as a volunteer, get in touch with us at ura_outreach@ura.gov.sg.
We offer free community tours at 11 am and 12.30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on the first and third Saturdays of
each month. The duration of each tour is approximately one hour. Register here to join one of the upcoming tours!
Getting there
The Singapore City Gallery is located at 45 Maxwell Road, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118. Opening hours are Mondays to
Saturdays, 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Public Holidays). Admission is free.
9
A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
PEOPLE
Let’s improve our neighbourhoods together!
Friends of Our Heartlands volunteer facilitator Wong Jia Liang shares how he helps
residents shape their neighbourhoods while honing his facilitation skills.
“ I am glad to help residents play a bigger role in
shaping their neighbourhoods, and at the same time,
be able to hone my facilitation skills.
Wong Jia Liang
“
Volunteer Facilitator, Friends of Our Heartlands
Image: Wong Jia Liang
An IT Service Designer by profession,
Jia Liang seeks to understand customers’
needs to co-create solutions to help
achieve their business objectives. In
his personal time, he volunteers as a
facilitator with the Housing & Development
Board (HDB)’s Friends of Our Heartlands
Network and engages residents on
neighbourhood improvement projects
to help realise residents’ needs and
aspirations for their living environment.
What motivated you to join HDB’s
(Above and Right)
Friends of Our Heartlands network as a
Attending a training
volunteer facilitator? session with other
About 2 years ago, I was looking for Friends of Our
opportunities to sharpen my facilitation Heartlands volunteer
skills when I came across a news facilitators.
article featuring the launch of HDB’s
Friends of Our Heartlands network.
Coincidentally, one of the tracks offered
was in facilitation! I jumped at this timely residents to find out their frequently Tell us about your experience
opportunity to contribute to the community used routes, potential social nodes engaging MacPherson Lane
and hone my facilitation skills at the same and the kinds of events and facilities residents as part of the Selective
time. they wished to have at those sites. En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme.
For this session, I was careful to
How did you engage Pasir Ris Beyond providing feedback, we also ensure that the residents understood
residents on their preferred
invited residents to participate in a each of the available options so that
neighbourhood improvements?
hands-on workshop to brainstorm they could make informed selections.
I worked alongside a team of NUS ideas for shared community spaces. To achieve this, we utilised a Virtual
Architecture students to engage residents During this session, I guided them Reality tool that truly allowed them to
in Pasir Ris. We set up a pop-up booth in building simple models to express visualise the different design themes
and conducted street interviews with what they envisioned. for their future community spaces.
10Issue 22 | Jan 2020
Having a physiotherapist review the
(Left) Jia Liang (in blue)
fitness corner options and classify
facilitating a workshop
the fitness equipment into simple
for Pasir Ris residents
categories was helpful for explaining to share their feedback
the options to the residents. on neighbourhood
improvements under
For the Build-A-thon challenge*, HDB’s Remaking Our
how did you help participants Heartlands programme.
develop their proposal?
I was attached to Team S.L.A.M.
and worked with the members to
refine their ideas for a health and (Right) Jia Liang
wellness hub at Kampung Admiralty. (standing) polling
I urged them to consider the needs MacPherson
residents on their
of residents and the spaces available
preferred socio-
on-site. I also facilitated the team’s
communal facilities
discussions with other Build-A-thon
as part of HDB’s
participants and gathering of feedback Selective En-bloc
to adjust and improve their proposal. Redevelopment
Scheme.
Eventually, the team collected heart-
warming stories about community
care and good neighbourliness by What are the benefits of designing their preferred community
residents, which were displayed participatory planning for activities and spaces or selecting a
at Kampung Admiralty to inspire neighbourhoods? precinct name. At the same time, I
residents to pro-actively care for their By enabling residents to be have been able to hone my facilitation
neighbours. meaningfully involved in shaping the skills!
community spaces around them, it
*The Build-A-thon Challenge has instils a greater sense of belonging to Besides engaging residents, I also
since been re-named Lively Places their living environment. As residents enjoy meeting other HDB volunteers.
Challenge come from diverse backgrounds, this The team at HDB is appreciative of
approach enables them to suggest volunteers’ inputs in planning the
and discuss ideas to better suit the activities and our feedback afterwards.
community’s various needs. These positive experiences keep me
coming back to volunteer with HDB
What were your key takeaways as a whenever I have the opportunity!
volunteer community facilitator?
All images by HDB.
I learnt to present information in ways
that make it easy for everyone to
understand and design activities that Keen to be a volunteer facilitator
enable residents to easily express like Jia Liang? Register your
(Above) Briefing participants on the
themselves. These are important so interest here!
objectives of the Build-A-thon innovation
challenge, which was to propose and that everyone is able to participate
implement solutions to create friendly and actively in the process. Volunteers will get opportunities
lively neighbourhoods. to channel their knowledge
Which part of the experience was and skills to benefit
most meaningful to you? communities, by facilitating
(Below) Team S.L.A.M. brainstorming
community conversations on
and discussing ideas for their project. It was amazing to see residents of all neighbourhood improvement
ages coming together to come up with projects. Training will be
ideas for utilising their shared spaces. I provided by HDB.
am excited to see how the final designs
will turn out!
I am glad to help residents play
a bigger role in shaping their
neighbourhoods, for example, by
11A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
PEOPLE
Broadening horizons at The Bicentennial Experience
Not only do George Khng and Teo Ming Jing dedicate
themselves to Friends of Our Heartlands activities with
HDB, the two passionate volunteers also stepped forward
as storytellers and guides at the “From Singapore to
Singaporeans: The Bicentennial Experience” showcase,
helping visitors appreciate 700 years of Singapore’s history
and reflect on aspirations for our future as a nation.
What motivated you to volunteer at The Bicentennial
Experience showcase?
George: It was an opportunity for me to reflect on
Image: George Khng Image: Teo Ming Jing
Singapore’s long history, and enable others to do so too.
The Bicentennial Experience volunteers George Khng (left) and
Teo Ming Jing (right) helped to enhance visitors’ experiences of
Ming Jing: I was interested to find out more about
the showcase, by guiding them to reflect on Singapore’s past and
Singapore’s history, beyond what we learn in school. I also
make connections along the journey to who we are today.
wanted to give back to society, and at the same time gain
new knowledge and experiences.
Tell us about your volunteering roles.
George: In my role as a storyteller at The Time Traveller and
the Pathfinder segments, I shared with visitors some context
of the historical events that were featured in the different
parts of the show.
Ming Jing: I volunteered as a guide at the Emporium of
the East segment. I was also a storyteller at the Reflection
Corridor, which was at the end of the showcase. Here,
visitors could vote for what they felt was the most important
DNA trait for Singapore to succeed in the future.
Did you pick up some useful skills or insights?
The Reflection Corridor, where visitors voted for traits that they
George: I learnt that storytelling is a special way to celebrate
felt were most important for Singapore: Self-Determination,
Singapore’s history with others. Through storytelling, I was
Openness and Multiculturalism.
able to help visitors better understand Singapore’s journey
and appreciate how far we have come.
Ming Jing: Through this volunteering experience, I managed
to hone my communication and storytelling skills. I am glad
for the opportunity to work on my soft skills.
I was initially nervous as I was not too familiar
with the content. However, with practice and
improved storytelling skills, I managed to
engage participants and help them connect
emotionally with Singapore’s history. I also felt mage: The Bicentennial Experience
a deep sense of satisfaction when participants
The Emporium of the East installation at the Pathfinder segment,
shared that they enjoyed the show thoroughly.
which featured replicas of trading goods that were found in
Singapore and the surrounding region between the 14th and
Volunteer George Khng 16th century.
12Issue 22 | Jan 2020
PARTNERSHIP
Transforming the way we build
Forging partnerships through premier business-matching opportunities in urban
solutions at BE Connect 2019.
12,000 representatives from over 50
countries gathered for the inaugural
Minister for Social and
International Built Environment at Family Development
Marina Bay Sands from 3rd to 6th and Second Minister for
September 2019. National Development
Desmond Lee welcoming
Building connections for the built participants at the
environment sector inaugural BE Connect.
One of the highlights of this year’s
programme was BE Connect, a
business-matching platform which
brought together urban solution
providers, developers and investors to
address regional urban challenges.
Facing challenges in the region
With limited urban land area,
achieving sustainable growth is tricky.
Participants discussed the need for (Left) Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (centre) witnessing the
effective urban solutions to meet signing of Memorandums of Understanding between local and regional built environment
rising demand for urban spaces in firms. (Right) Sharing of urban solutions at BE Connect.
Asia.
Climate change and its effects, environment sector are especially Topics included Smart Township,
which are intensified by rapid urban beneficial in tackling common Healthcare & Well-being, and Built
growth, resource consumption and challenges faced in the region. To Environment Innovation, featuring
greenhouse gas emissions, was shape a more liveable, sustainable local projects such as the Funan Mall
another key factor in charting the and smarter built environment, and Our Tampines Hub, an integrated
future of the industry. Singapore has embarked on a community and lifestyle hub, as well
process of transformation and as overseas collaborations such as
An ageing population, coupled with innovation to develop solutions that the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City in
challenges faced in attracting young are applicable not only to the local China and Orange Smart City in India.
entrants, has also taken a toll on context, but relevant to the region as
costs, labour and productivity in the well. Industry leaders and professionals
built environment sector. To overcome also gained access to fully integrated
this, the industry has turned to Prior to this event, almost 100 solutions across the built environment
productive construction and infocomm regional developers in India, China value chain for their building needs.
technologies to create better job and South East Asia came on board 16 Memorandums of Understanding,
opportunities and reengineer the to discuss solutions and share their at a total estimated contract value of
design and maintenance of the built experiences with the Building and close to S$30 million, were inked at
environment. Construction Authority (BCA). the event. This marked a significant
milestone towards an innovative and
Moving forward through At BE Connect, regional developers collaborative culture across the built
collaboration and local built environment firms environment sector in the region.
showcased their capabilities and
Partnerships and collaborations
engaged one another on solutions All images by BCA.
across various fields in the built
for present and future living.
13A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family
Programme
It’s a date for plant and animal lovers
Every month, exciting activities and workshops await Alongside pet-related activities, familiar Gardeners’ Day Out
animal lovers, pet owners and those with green fingers. favourites such as the Marketplace for all of a plant lover’s
Since the inaugural Pets’ Day Out (PDO) on 17 August needs, free gardening talks and demonstrations as well as
2019, both PDO and the signature Gardeners’ Day Out storytelling sessions for children are also held.
(GDO) have been held every month.
With a focus on rehoming pets and encouraging people to
At the event, visitors can interact with birds, cats and dogs be considerate pet owners, Pets’ Day Out is a collaborative
as well as meet volunteers from animal welfare groups. effort by the National Parks Board (NParks) with animal
They can also participate in a host of pet-friendly activities welfare groups, veterinarians, pet and gardening service
or join leisurely garden walks led by experienced nature providers and other agencies to raise awareness on the
guides. relationship between animals and public health.
Look out for the next Pets’ Day Out and Gardeners’ Day
Out, happening in February 2020!
Image: NParks Image: NParks
Visitors pose for photos and interact with colourful parrots of Veterinarians from the Animal & Veterinary Service provide
BirdCraze. free pet health checks and micro-chipping services.
Image: NParks Image: NParks
Junior pet lovers learn how to be responsible for taking care of their Pet owners with their furry friends learn the basics of pet
pets through role-playing games and activities at Petzmania. obedience at the Basic Obedience Class. They can also have a
go at the Agility Obstacle Course under the guidance of trainers.
14Issue 22 | Jan 2020
To truly safeguard animal health and welfare, we must Partnering the pet community to improve
ensure responsibility and a duty of care along the animal health and welfare
value chain for which our pets and community animals Apart from such events for the pet
come into contact with. So we need to work with community, NParks is also working with key
breeders, boarders, pet associations, pet businesses, stakeholders in the pet sector, including
boarders and breeders, to raise industry
veterinarians, animal welfare groups and the public to
standards and safeguard the health and
decide on those common standards. welfare of the animals under their care.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Home As part of this effort, several focus group
Affairs and Ministry of National Development) discussions and a public consultation have
Sun Xueling been conducted over the past few months.
For instance, NParks is looking to improve
the traceability of pets by leveraging
technology. This would enable people to
report lost pets more easily and find lost pets
more quickly.
Better traceability could also help to
safeguard public and animal health, in the
event of an animal-related disease outbreak.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling (centre, in red) with
volunteers from animal welfare groups and shelter animals at Pets’ Day
Out on 17 August 2019 at HortPark.
Image: NParks
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling scans a
Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled microchip
with a smartphone. NFC-enabled microchips
enhance traceability of pets, as it makes information
retrieval faster and easier.
To ensure that pet owners are able to
conveniently register the details of their pets,
NParks is working with the pet community to
design user-friendly improvements to the Pet
Animal Licensing System.
Read more about the Pet Sector Review here.
Using the NFC microchip makes retrieval of information
about a pet much faster and easier, improving traceability.
15A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of the MND Family Issue 22 | Jan 2020
For more MND Family News, please visit www.mnd.gov.sg/mndlink Brought to you by:
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